The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) said Monday afternoon it is focusing attention on what is likely to be the first statewide winter weather event of the season -- and it’s requesting that drivers do the same.

INDOT said its drivers and supplies are usually ready for winter operations well in advance of Winter Weather Preparedness Week, which is not until Nov. 17. But, as you can see from StormTeam 6’s forecast, we’re slated to see some winter weather Monday and Tuesday.

“The first snow of the season typically brings a higher rate of crashes and slide-offs as some drivers become accustomed to driving in winter weather conditions,” INDOT officials said.

INDOT said drivers can cut back on these crashes and slide-offs by reminding themselves to drive slow and increase the distance between themselves and other vehicles -- especially INDOT’s yellow plow trucks.